hood, texas. the rampage killed 13 soldiers and injured dozens more. this morning he said he was the shooter, apoll guysing for any mistak mistake i made in "trying to establish the perfect religion." he will act as his own attorney. he could end up cross examining some of the witnesses he is accused of shooting, cuincludina retired army staff sergeant who was shot seven times. >> i will not show fear in the face of the enemy because the man that shot me major hassan is going to be the man who's cross examining me. that's a huge challenge. >> correspondent in npr's investigations unit knows this case far better than any of us. what's the significance of this trial and of what it means not only the terror war but also personally for these victims? >> imagine if, god forbid, were you one of natal hassan's victims. in addition to the 13 who were killed, some have brain damage, some have partially paralyzed. they will have a lifetime of pain and imagine now that you go into this courtroom at ft. hood and the man who shot you approaches you, looks you in th